Letters from a Killer (1998)

A man is falsely convicted of the murder of his wife. During his time in jail, he finds comfort from four women with whom he corresponds. After his second court appearance, he is finally ... See full summary »

Director:

David Carson

Writers:

Nicholas Hicks-Beach (screenplay), Shelley Miller (screenplay),

Stars:

Patrick Swayze, Gia Carides, Kim Myers

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Patrick Swayze	...	Race Darnell
Gia Carides	...	Lita
Kim Myers	...	Gloria Stevens
Olivia Birkelund	...	Stephanie
Tina Lifford	...	Elizabeth
Elizabeth Ruscio	...	Judith Sutton
Roger E. Mosley	...	Horton
Bruce McGill	...	Brinker
Mark Rolston	...	O'Dell
Don Stark	...	Geary
Katy Selverstone	...	Singleton
Michael Bowen	...	Parker
Kevin Chamberlin	...	Cutler
Sam Atkinson	...	Morgan
Rock Reiser	...	Singing Inmate

Storyline

A man is falsely convicted of the murder of his wife. During his time in jail, he finds comfort from four women with whom he corresponds. After his second court appearance, he is finally freed from prison only to be framed for yet 2 more murders which he did not commit. With the help of his former prison guard, he once again sets out to clear his name.

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Plot Keywords:

prison | murder | wrongful conviction | copycat murder | stalker | 

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Taglines:

Don't Open The Mail.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1998 (Mexico)

Also Known As:

Cartas de Um Assassino

Filming Locations:

Echo, Utah, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

J&M Entertainment, LFAK Inc.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

104 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

During filming on 9 May 1997, Patrick Swayze broke both legs and tore four tendons in his shoulder when his horse threw him into a tree. He said he grabbed the horse's mane and flipped himself around so that he wouldn't hit the tree with his head.

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Soundtracks

"Desire"
Performed by Mr. Dyer's Daughters
Written by Elsa J. Dyer (as Elsa Dyer), Linda J. Dyer (as Linda Dyer), Sonja L. Dyer (as Sonja Dyer),
Seth Jackson, Cathy Carlson
By Permission of MDD Music
© 1997/ASCAP

User Reviews

Not great, but okay

Swayze plays the same good guy against all odds role that he pretty much plays in all his films. In this straight to video film, he is stalked by a woman who he "wrote letters" to while in prison. Only he doesn't know which one. It's one of those videos you rent if you've seen everything in the new release section and don't feel like renting an older movie and want to watch something you've never seen before.

I only picked this film because it had a disclaimer stating that "if this film isn't what you thought it'd be, we'll refund your money" and an actual address where to send your receipt. I figured it would be bad, I probably wouldn't be able to finish it and get my money back (my other rentals were also straight to video titles that didn't have this incentive, but I figured at least one of them would be worth watching). Well, despite numerous plot holes and flaws, it wasn't bad. It kept my interest enough to watch it through (and believe me, I walk out of or stop watching at least half the films I see). Swayze is pretty one-dimensional in it (and overacts some of his scenes) but he's still better than most of the straight to video actors that are making money now. Of course, if he was getting "letters" from someone who was threatening to kill him and didn't know who, he could always look at the postmark and tell. But if that happened, the movie would have ended in the first 20 minutes. I also note that there are never any letters actually written. They send cassette tapes back and forth. But I guess "Cassette tapes from a killer" wouldn't be as catchy (not that I think the current title is).

If you're looking for a good second or third rental for a Friday night, this one is probably a good bet.